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| Steve Wagh with World Cup trophy |
The Cricket World Cup 1999 was hosted by England, Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands. This time 12 teams participated which were divided into 2 groups - Group A and Group B. Each team played each other in the league stage. The top three teams from each group qualified for the Super Sixes in which each qualifier from Group A played with each qualifier from Group B. The points earned by teams against each qualifier from their group was also carried forward. The top four teams from the Super Sixes advanced in the semifinals.
The Tournment starts with England and depending champions Sri Lanka on May 14, 1999 at Lord's. And ends with the final match between Australia Vs Pakistan on June 20, 1999.
Desperately needing a win to enter the super sixes, Australia won their last group stage game against the West Indies after they had score of just 12 runs in 10 overs, chasing 110. Similarly needing a win to enter the semi-finals, they won the last super six encounter against South Africa. In the semifinals the situation was die-hard when the match was tied because Lance Klusner, the last man left, was run-out with 1 run needing from 3 balls with only 1 wicket remaining, but given the advantage of winning their super sixes match against them. But whatever it is, the Aussies bid farewell to their captain in an ideal way.
Australia won the cup by beating Pakistan by 8 wickets. It was a one-sided final at the Lord's cricket ground in London. The other two semifinalists were New Zealand and South Africa. Shane Warne was Man of the Match in the final match as well as in the semi-final. Rahul Dravid from India made the maximum runs in the tournament. Lance Klusener, South Africa was crowned as Man of the Tournament. Sourabh Ganguly, India scored the highest, 183 against Sri Lanka at Taunton.
As for India, they were somewhat unfortunate. They entered the super six matches with empty pockets as both the countries against whom they had lost the group matches also qualified for the super sixes. In the super sixes they were ruled out even after securing a comprehensive victory over the then world cup favorites, Pakistan. Rahul Dravid got his name enshrined in the world cup history when he topped the most runs table with 461 runs.
Venue: England, Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands
Date: 14 May 1999 to 20 June 1999
Teams Played:
- Group A : India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zimbabwe, England, Kenya.
Group B : Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Scotland.
Super Six :
Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, India.
Winner: Australia
Runner up: Pakistan
Man of the Match: Shane Warne (4 wickets for 33 balls)
Man of the Tournament: Lance Klusener, South Africa.
Top Scorer: Rahul Dravid, India (461 runs)
Semi finalists: South Africa, New Zealand
